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When it comes to selecting between the granite and quartz countertops, the chief criterion lies in the aesthetic dimension. Indeed, the choice is largely determined by the visual appeal and suitability of the selected type for the overall interior of a space. The following are the essential factors to consider when examining the issue from the aesthetic perspective, as well as the real-life applications.
Color Consistence
For the quartz, one of the greatest benefits is the variety of colors and perfect consistence. In the context of a large kitchen, the consistence of the color might be particularly important. The practical example would be thereby the granite countertop, which might be of subtle grey shade. If the other appliances such as the stoves and fridges are made of the stainless steel and the whole design is rather modernistic with the frequent use of white and black contrasts, the consistent grey would match it perfectly.
Granite, instead, is appealing to many due to the variety of colors and naturalness of the patterns and hues diversity. It may be particularly appealing in the interior of either a rustic-style or eclectic kitchen. The single example could be thereby an earth-toned kitchen with many wooden decorative elements and hand-made ceramic decorations. Here, a unique blend of the granite of the countertop may be an excellent focal point.
Durability and Maintenance
By its nature, quartz is non-porous and therefore less demanding in cleaning and maintenance. The quartz countertops are highly resistant to the stains in the common family household. For example, the food remains after the cooking can be wiped easily, as well as the wine leftovers and even the kids’ art products. The granite is rather porous and demands re-sealing, but it can also withstand the high traffic of some active kitchens. A bright example may be a kitchen of a restaurant, where chefs do not hesitate to put the hot pans on the surface of granite countertop.
Ligh Reflection and Space Inflation
Countertop materials significantly change the way light is reflected, so the overall perception of the room size and atmosphere is changed. Quartz is highly polished, and therefore, in the case of the small kitchens in an apartment, it could be appropriate. The mainstream use is designed to visually make the room larger and more illuminated.
The decision for the granite material is to be made with the specific slab perspectives in mind. There are numerous grains and patterns, and the specific color and grain will determine how the light is reflected. Therefore, in a sunlit small kitchen, natural speckles and variations would make it more changeable and thus would enrich the design with the custom granite slab.
Installation complexity of granite vs quartz countertops could be a very important factor for a homeowner, specifically in terms of expertise required and time that the project would take. The descriptions of the installations offer an opportunity for the reader to form an opinion.
Installation Expertise and Tools
Granite countertops are very heavy and require a team of professionals to install, typically with expensive and complex tools. In addition, while quartz is usually put together in a factory and is ready to go, granite might not immediately fit the description, given that the slide will have to be custom cut on site. If one has an L-shaped kitchen and wants the granite countertop to follow the exact shape of the kitchen, the professionals will have to take measurements and custom cut and finish the slide on site.
By contrast, quartz in engineered stone and is produced in a factory, already being perfectly polished and often pre-sealed. It requires less specialized professionals to install the slide, and even when the customization is necessary, it is easier than with granite. In addition, given its similarity in size and weight to other slabs of the kitchen, such as the sink, quartz could be put together with other components without needing additional planning.
Installation time
Installation time is very important, as it is an uncomfortable process that disrupts people’s daily lives. Quartz installation may take anywhere from one to two days if the workspace is prepared, and there are no unexpected details that require modifications. It takes so little time because quartz is prefabricated and already cut to the required measurements. Installation of a granite slide will take longer, as the onsite finish and cutting might take one to two days. In addition, in some situations, when the room is a square or a rectangle and does not require an odd cut quartz might fit quickly. Finally, granite might be fitted within a day if the slab is relatively small. Of course, the scale and complexity of the design greatly influence the installation time. To illustrate, a recently renovated kitchen with over one hundred square foot of the granite slide, custom-shaped and requiring sophisticated equipment to install and fit other levels of the counter, kitchen islands, and a breakfast bar added days to the installation time.
Handling and transportation
Naturally, that the heavier the slab, the more difficult it is to handle it. Furthermore, granite breaks easily so it will take a great amount of skill to transport it and place it, not to mention that it will need more people and more expensive equipment than quartz. In conclusion, installation of granite will take more time as well. And to keep handling minimal would be the best way to avoid breakage. Isn’t that perfect? Would you want your granite countertop install to take less time than its heavy weight and the thick size or the newness of the quartz slide allows?
The right choice of countertop material can depend on the size of the room to a considerable extent. Both granite and quartz have advantages that can potentially influence a homeowner’s decision, based on how they affect the perceived size of space and the way a room of a certain dimension functions.
Small Kitchens
Quartz countertops are very beneficial for smaller kitchens due to the wide range of available colors, consistent patterns, and reduced likelihood of breakage. Light-colored quartz such as white or cream can make a small room seem more spacious and brighter. For example, a small kitchen with white quartz may reflect more light, making the room airy. Another option is a medium-sized room in an urban apartment in which a traditional white or cream quartz countertop with a hint of veining on a white background is used. Granite is a beautiful and valuable material to use, but it can overwhelm a small room. However, a perfectly suitable granite variety with a subtle pattern and very light colors could be found to avoid this effect. An example of such a room could be the same small kitchen in an urban apartment, with a light-colored granite countertop with its minimal veining that does not densify visual appeal while still looking sophisticated.
Large Kitchens
Both materials may function well in large kitchens, with the decision based on the homeowner’s preferences for the style of large countertops and the cookroom as a whole. Granite’s rarity and unique pattern and color can make it perfect for a large island or a lengthy countertop. It is common to see large and usually open-plan kitchens with long granite countertops that feature impressive veins and swirls of the stone, which is typically the centerpiece of the room. Quartz’s main benefit is the uniformity and uniformity of appearance that is especially surprising in a vast room. The uniqueness of quartz’s design is the fact that its production is artificial, which means both sides of a bowl slabs placed back to back match perfectly, as opposed to the non-uniform appearance of natural stone along an entire countertop. As a result, this material is especially attractive to customers who choose a modern or minimalist design for their cookrooms.
For many homeowners, the impact of the countertop material on the resale value of a house is an essential factor to consider. Both granite and quartz may have unique features that might make a property both more marketable and worth more in terms of the current rate.
Market Trends and Buyer Preferences
Visually, granite has been a sign of luxury and longevity when it comes to kitchen design. In addition, granite is a completely natural material, and no two slabs are the same, which can be an added exclusive during a buyer’s tip. Houses with granite countertops could be sold more rapidly in places where it is standard to have end, as local people that take quality for a symbol due to the material’s durability.
Other the other hand, quartz has been increasingly popular as a low-maintenance substitute to granite countertops. Consequently, it has been considerably popular with homebuyers, including the new ones and those inclining to be interested in modern and, more significantly, green livings. They purchase because durable and non-permeable surface and a homogenous consistency of quartz slabs do not require periodical sealing for sanitizing purposes Since quartz does not allow for bacterial growth due to its immovable condition, it is also attractive to buyers with health concerns.
Real Estate Insights
Relevant reports have shown that quartz can help homeowners resell their properties at a higher rate in terms of 1-5%, depending on the market and the particular house. For example, the 2020 quartz report of a metropolitan real estate market stated that the houses with quartz countertops were sold at the median 7% price more than with other slabs.
Meanwhile, granite may be less straightforward when it comes to the counter value rate. In general and compared to other materials, granite has been a safe bet to increase a property value. However, the slab type, its grade, and the cohesion it bears with the rest of the house might have a greater impact on buyer interest. Typically, customers pay extra for high-grade granite with brilliant colors and visible ornate patterns. Meanwhile, both materials are very durable, but severe damage might drop the price a bit, the quartz having slightly more value because of its low maintenance nature.
When choosing the right countertop material, namely granite or quartz, it is essential to consider aligning the choice with personal lifestyle needs. These needs may include both cooking and family life habits, as well as entertaining style, and determine the material’s extent of suitability.
Cooking and Baking
In case there is a passionate baker in the house, granite would be an excellent option for the countertop because of its ability to handle temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and be perfectly flat. Therefore, one can roll out the dough and place a hot tray right from the oven on the countertop without being afraid of damaging it.
Quartz may be a relevant solution for households in which hygiene is extremely vital. Because the material is non-porous, it does not hide bacteria or viruses, which is essential for families with young children and those who like raw foods such as sushi or salads. As it does not require sealing or regular maintenance, it is easy to keep clean and does not require additional efforts to do so.
Family Lifestyle
A busy family with children will benefit from choosing the granite, which is extremely durable and can stand improperly being treated frequently. However, to maintain its non-porous properties, it needs to be sealed regularly, which may serve as a disadvantage for busy families who do not want to waste time on polishing the countertop.
Quartz requires less maintenance and, in addition, is very difficult to stain, which is excellent for families who want to keep it practical and easy to clean without any fuss. Its durability will also ensure that it stays in place if the kids will use it to do homework or art and craft activities.
Entertaining
When a particular family often enjoys inviting friends over, the type of countertop may be an essential decision factor that will affect the function and beauty of the social space. In this regard, one may want to consider granite as the countertop because of its stunning appearance. Its uniqueness will serve as a great conversation starter and provide a considerable level of sophistication to the room. In contrast, quartz offers a wide array of designs and can resemble marble or slate, which is very convenient for the house with frequently changing decor or one where all the rooms need to have the same color and style.
PANMIN is an innovative manufacturer of artificial quartz slabs. PANMINQUARTZ® is man-made quartz surfaces from PANMIN, which can be applied in residential and commercial interior decoration including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and office table.
Currently, we have three factories, two in China and one in Cambodia to provide sufficient services to our customers.
For more information about PANMIN, please refer to our contact page and we should get back to you ASAP.
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